Ecology. Occurs mainly on upland sites as scattered dense clumps along roadsides and forest margins, migrating from old home plantings by displaced rhizome fragments. Persistent infestations by dense branching tuberous rhizome growth. Probable spread by movement of stem parts in soil or by road shoulder grading. Plants believed to be sterile and not producing viable seeds.

Resembles golden bamboo, Phyllostachys aurea Carr. ex A.& C. Rivičre, another large grasslike plant that is woody in character. Closely resembles common reed, Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud., which has similar large hairy seed heads, but not erect and fanned in a loose plume, and which occurs mainly near swamps, marshes, and wet habitats.

History and use. Introduced from western Asia, northern Africa, and southern Europe in the early 1800s. Ornamental.

NovemberPhoto by J. Miller

JunePhoto by J. Miller

JulyPhoto by J. Miller

DecemberPhoto by J. Miller

JunePhoto by J. Miller

AugustPhoto by J. Miller

States with suspected infestations are shown in gray.

Recommended control procedures:

Thoroughly wet all leaves with one of the following herbicides in water with a surfactant (September or October with multiple applications to regrowth):

A glyphosate herbicide as a 2-percent solution (8 ounces per 3-gallon mix)